Placard holder for tank cars



Get, 7 H924. 1.5%,671

E. A. FALL PLACARD HOLDER FOR TANK CARS Filed June '7, 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 NFL KEEP LIGHTS mu FERE5 AWAY HANDLE CAREFULLY STATlON l9 1-THIS CAR MUST NOT BE NEXT TOACAR CONTAINING EXPLOSIVES 2- Do norenrer wnh exposed flame, nor wilh lighfecl lanfern unfil car has been uenh'ialed and vapors allowed To escape. 3-When lading requiring this lacard is unloaded from cars THE PLACARUS MUST BE REMOVED.

@cito 7 D 1924. 3,51%,571

E. A. FALL PLACARD HOLDER FOR TANK CARS Filed June 7. 1923 2 SheeQS-Sheet 2 EMPTY TANK EAR INMMMABLE VAPOR KEEP LIGHTS AND HRES AWAY RETU R N T0 Patent 0a. 7, 192a EDWARD A. FALL, OF RUTHERFORD, NEW EY.

rLAcAnn HOLDER non r o.

Application filed June 7,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD A. FALL, a citizen of the United States. residing at Rutherford, in the county of Bergen and State of New Jersey, haveinvented new and useful Im rovements in Placard Holders for Tank gars, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to improvements in placard holders, particularly adapted for use with tank cars employed for transporting inflammable and other dangerous fluids.

The present practice is to apply to cars of this character, placards. not-ifyin rail. employees and others of the inflaminab e and dangerous nature of the contents of the car, and the necessity for care in preventing flame from coming into dangerous relation to the contents of the tank or the interior of the tank after the fluid has been removed, until all of the inflammable vapors have been displaced.

Commonly, such placards are printed on sheets of paper and attached by suitable fastening means to uprights, generally a wooden body suitably secured to the car frame, and when aftank has'been emptied, it is customary to destroy the placard which had been applied to indicate the nature of the fluid loaded in the tank, and replace this with another, calling attention to the fact that while the tank is empty, it is still liable to contain inflammable vapor so that care should be taken not to expose thesame to a flame.

The particular object of the present invention is to provide a placard holder which will be more durable than those heretofore employed, and by means of which it will not be necessary to destroy the previously applied placard whenever the tank of the car is emptied.

Generally stated the invention comprises a. placard holder which is adapted to be so supported on the frame of a tank car that it may be readily reversed so that either face thereof can be exposed, the parts being locked in their adjusted position so that only the proper placard will be displayed at any time.

'lhere can, of course, be numerous modifications of the embodiments hereinafter particularly referred to, Without departing from the spirit of the invention, and, there- 1923. Serial No. 648,975.

fore, except where the same are specifically l mited in the appended claims, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact de-. tails shown. 1.

With the foregoing and other obj in view, the invention resides in a placard holder having its parts constructed and arranged as hereinafter: described, and for the purpose of enabling others to readilyunderstand the invention, the same is described in connection with several embodiments illus trated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevation of a placard holder constructed in accordance with the invention and showing a placard in place therein.

Figure 2 is a detail section, substantially on the line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an end elevation of the parts shown in Figure 1.

Fi e 4 is a detail of the placard en aging me, showing the parts thereo in open relation.

Fi re 5 is aview of the second lacard or t e opposite face of the placar from that shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is an elevation ofthe pl frame, illustrating a. modified form of the means provided for looking it in sition to display either face of the placar or the selected one of the two placards supported thereby.

Figure 7 is a sectional View substantially on the line 7-7 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is an end view substantially like Figure 3 of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 is a section substantially on the line 9-9 of Figure=8.

Fi we 10 is a similar view substantially on t e line 10--1O of Figure8.---

Figure 11 is a transverse section thro h the p acard frame illustrated in slightly d1fierentform thereof from that shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 12 is a detail section illustrating another slightly modified form of frame construction.

Referring to the drawings, the improved holder comprises essentially a frame of such shape as to extend around the perimeter of the placard to be displayed, and provided with a depending stem or shank which extends thr g a tubular holder that is adapted to be secured to a portion of a tank car frame, conventionally illustrated at 1.

The frame may be of any suitable outline, and is provided with marginal flanges forming a channel which receives the edges of the placard, said flanges being spaced a art and the placard, or placards, being 0? such thickness as to fill the space between the marginal flanges so that the placards are properly supported.

In the embodiments-of the invention illustrated, the frame is of substantially rectangular form, and the supporting stem therefor depends from one of the corners. .lrreterably, the frame comprises two sections 2, 3, each including side members ex tending at right angles to each other, said sections bein shown as connected at one side by a suitable hinge (l, and each provided, at points diametrically opposite said I hinge, with overlapping outwardly projecting ears 5, 6, which are secured together by a suitable bolt and not 7. The stem or standard 8 is shown as provided at its upper end with diverging arms 9, 10, which are rigidly secured against the members of the lower frame section 2.

The placard 11 may be of paper, carboard, metal or any suitable material, and is of such size and shape as to be closely embraced throughout its perimeter by the frame.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to .55, inclusive, the placard is assumed to be a single sheet having suitable information and. directive subject matter printed on both faces, but it is obviousthat two placard sheets or plates may be arranged back to back within the frame, and such embodiment is illustrated particularly in lFiguresll and 12.

By reason of the hinge connection between the two frame sections, the upper section 3 may be readily swung to the open position shown in Figure 4; when the securing bolt 7 is withdrawn, and thus a placard can be easily removed from the frame and replaced by another.

The stem or standard 8 depending from the placard engaging frame, extends through a tubular holder 12, which is of such form and dimensions that the stem passes therethrough, and when the parts are properly related, permits the stem and attmhed frame to be rotated about the axis of the stem and the holder. I

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the holder .12 is'suitably attached to a late 13, which is secured to the portion 1 o the car frame and projects slightly to one side thereofi A OOll spring 14: is fitted about'the portion of the stem 8 which projects below the plate 13, and the opposite ends of said spring bear against the plate 18 and a wash.- er 15 which is supported on the stem 8 by a cotter-pin or key 18. lln the holder 12 is formed a horizontal slot 17, which terminates. in two depending recesses or notches positioned at diametrically opposite points, and a pin or stud 18 projecting radially from the stem 8 co-operates with this slot and its terminal notches so that the placard frame will be locked against rotation when in either of two predetermined positions. The stud 18 may be in the form of a pin having a suitable thread engaging a socket in the stem 8, so that it can be withdrawn when desired to remove the stem and frame bodily from the holder 12.

It will be understood that with the parts in the position shown in lFi ures 1 and 3, the placard frame will be ri i ly secured to the holder with the face 0' the placard bearing information indicating that the tank of the car contains inflammable fluid.

When the fluid has been withdrawn from the tank, it is only necessary to move the frame and stem slightly upward against the action of the spring 14 sullicientl to carry the pin 18 from the notch with w ich it is shown to be engaged, when the stem can be rotated in the holder, and when the stud 18 comes into alignment with the diametrically opposite notch, the spring 14; will restore the arts to locked enga ement and the face of t 1e placard shown in igure 5 will be displayed.

In Figure 6, the holder 12 is of slightly difierent form from that shown in Figures 1 and 3, being in effect a tubular member having one end threaded into a suitable aperture in the supporting plate 13, and the stem 8, which is longer than in the form shown in the figures, first described, extends through said holder and to the lower end thereof is fitted a nut 20.

Arms '21, 22 are held in position on the holder 12 by suitable bolts 23 and project in diametrically opposite directions from said holder. A locking handle 24 is pivotally connected with the frame supporting stem or standard 8* and is adapted to be turned to a position between the arms 21, 22 at either side of the sleeve according to which face of the placard in the frame or which of the two placards thereof it is desired to display. By means of a suitable seal 26 extending through apertures in the arms 21, 22, the handle 24; may be held in the desired position to prevent rotation of the placard frame. It will be understood that after the contents of the tank car have been withdrawn, the seal 26 will be removed, and by turning the handle 24: about its pivot 25, the standard 8 and placard frame may be readily rotated and the handle positioned between the arms 21, 22 at the opposite side of the holder, which movement will' placard, denoting that the car standard. The lower portion of the stem or standard is of circular form in cross section and extends loosely through the collar 31. Pins 32, 33, extending through the stem or standard, limit vertical movement thereof.

VVhen-the parts are in the position shown in Figure 8, it will be seen that the clamp 30 engaging the polygonal section of the stem prevents rotation of the placard, but by movin said stein upwardly, so that the cylindrica portion thereof comes within the clamp 30, the placard may be readily rotated to display either face, as desired. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in this fi re, the placard is shown as consi'sting o a single plate suitably secured to the rotatable stem and omitting any marginal or surrounding frame.

While, as hereinbefore stated, it 'is os-' sible to make the placard of materia of sufficient thickness and strength to make it necessary to employ but a single sheet, it IS in some instances preferable to provide two placard sheets, 40, 41, facing in opposite directions and to make the device more rigid and protect the placards from injury L y bein struck with missiles, etc. a reinforcing mem er or plate 42 may be positioned within the frame between the two placard sheets.

If desired, said reinforcement may be composed of members 43, 44, formed integral with the frame sections 2, 3, such an em bodiment being specifically illustrated in Figure 11. I

It is believed that the manner of' operating and the advantages of a device embodying the invention wi 1 be readily understood from the foregoing description in connection with drawings.

It will be seen' that the device provides a very strong and simple holder, which enables a single placard sheet, or pair of sheets,

to be. used for an indefinite period instead of, as has been the practice heretofore, necessitating the destruction of the placard after each use thereof. Normally, the parts are so interlocked that they will not be jarred loose by movement of the car, and when the arts are so positioned as to display the p acard applicable to a car contain-' ing inflammable and other dangerous fluids, there is no danger of the placard becoming disarranged, or accidentally displaced.

\Vhen the tank has been emptied, it requires but very slight manipulation of the parts to reverse the position of the holder and display the pro er placard. No specific claim is herein ma e to the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10,-in which the placard supporting stem has a portion of rectangular form in cross section engaging the holder. This forms thesubject matter of a divisional application, Serial No. 692,121}, filed Feb. 11, 1924.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. An article of the character described, comprising a holder adapted to be mounts ed on a car, a lacard support, and means connecting said older and support and permittin a limited axial movement of the placa support relative to the holder and rotary movement of said support when in a predetermined axial relation to the holder while preventing separation of the holder and placard support.

2. An article of the character described comprising a frame adapted to surround the perimeter of a placard and provided with a channel for receiving the edges of the placard, said frame including a plurality of detachably connected sections whereby a placard may be readily removed from the frame and replaced, a stem de nding from the frame, a holder adap to be secured to a tank car and to receive the stem, means reventing separation of the stem and hol er while ermitting rotation of the stem, and means or ldcking the stem against rotation in the holder.

3. An article of the character described comprising a, frame adapted to surround the perimeter of a placard and provided with a channel for receiving the edges of the placard, said frame including two sections hinged together so that they may be separated to permit ready removal or insertion of a. placard, means for securing said sections together in engaging relation to a placard, a stem depending from the frame, a holder adapted to be secured to a tank car and to receive the. stem, means preventing separation of the stem and bolder while rinitting rotation of the stem, and means or locking the stem against rotation in the holder.

4. An article of the character described comprising a frame adapted to surround the perimeter of a placard and provided with achannel for receivin the edges of the placard, said frame incl uding a plurality of detachably connected sections whereby a placard may be readily removed from the frame and replaced, a stem depending from the frame, a holder adapted to be. secured to a tank car and to receive the stem, means preventing separation of the stem andholder while permitting rotation of the stem, and means for locking the stem against rotation in the holder in diametrically: opposite posillOIlS.

5. An article of the character described comprising a frame adapted to-surronnd the perimeters of two placards positioned to face in opposite directions and having marginal flanges extending inward over the outer faces of both placards, a stem depending from the frame, a holder adapted to be secured to a tank ear and to receive the stem, means preventing separation of the stem and holder while ermitting rotation of the stem, andmeans 'or preventing rot-ation of the stem ;in the holder when either one of the placards is in a predetermined position.

6. An article of the character described comprising a frame adapted to surround the perimeters of two placards positioned to face in opposite directions and having marginal flanges extending inward over the outer faces of both'placards, a plate adapted to be arranged wlthin the frame between the placards therein, a stem depending from the frame, a holder adapted to be secured to a tank car and to receive the stem, means preventing separation of the stem and holder while permitting rotation of the stem, and means for preventing rotation of the stem in the holder when either one of the placards is in a predetermined position.

' 7. An article of the character described comprising a frame adapted to surround the erimeters of two placards posit-ionedto face in opposite directions and having marginal flanges extending inward over the outer faces of both placards, reinforcing means integral with the frame and positioned to extend between the two placards, a stem depending from the frame, a holder adapted to be secnretl to a tankcar and to receive the stem. means preventing separation of the stem and holder while permit-ting rotation of the stem, and means for preventing rotation of the stem in the holder when either one of the placards is in a predetermined position.

8. An articleof the character described comprising a placard support, a stem depending from the placard support, a holder adapted tOIbG secured to a tank car and to receive the stem to permit rotation thereof, means for retaining the stem within the holder, and means for preventing rotation of the stem in the holder in diametrically opposite positions, said means being adapted to be rendered inoperative by movement in the direction of the length of the stem.

9. An article of the character described comprising a placard su port, a stem depending from the placard support, a holder adapted to be secured to a tank car and to receive the stem to permit rotation thereof, means for retaining the stem within the holder, and means for preventing rotation of the stem in the holder in diametrically opposite positions, said means being ,rendered inoperative by moving the stem longitudinally of the holder.

10. An article of the character described comprising a placard su port, a stem depending from the placard support, a tubular holder adapted to be secured to a tank car and to have the stem extend therethrough, means on the stem for preventing it from being withdrawn from the holder, and means on the stem engaging the holder in diametrically opposite positions of the frame and stem for preventing rotation of the stem in the holder, said means being rendered inoperative by moving the frame and stem upward.

11. An article of the character described comprising a placard su port, a stern depending from the placar support, a tubular holder adapted to be secured to a tank car and to have the stem extend theret-hrongh, means on the stem for preventing it from being withdrawn from the holder,

while permitting vertical movement, a spring acting to hold the frame and stem in the lowermost position relative to the holder, and. means for locking the stem against rotation in the holder when in said lowermost position.

12. An article of the character described comprising a placard support, a stem depending from the placard support, a tubular holder adapted to be secured to a tank car and to have the stem extend therethrough, means on the stem for preventing it from bein withdrawn from the holder, while permitting vertical movement, a spring acting to hold the frame and stem in the lowermost position relative to the holder, and a stud projecting radially from the stem and extending into a slot formed in the holder. said slothaving diametrically opposite depressions or notches at its ends.

13. An article of the character described, comprising a reversible placard support having a supporting stem projecting outward therefrom, a tubular holder surrounding said stem and adapted to be attached to a car, and an adjustable connection between the placard support stem and the holder adapted to prevent disengagement of said parts and to maintain the stem in rigid relation to the holder in either of two, (118,

metrically opposite, positions.

14:. An article of the character described, comprisin a reversible placard. support having a depending supporting stem, a tubular holder surrounding said stem and Nil) ltltl rec adapted to be attached to a car, means for venting rotation of the stem in the holder preventing disengagement of said holder in either of two, diametrically opposite, p0-

and placard support stem while permitting sitions.

limited longitudinal movement of the stem In testimony whereof I have hereunto set 6 in the holder, the stem being rotatable in my hand.

the holder when in a predetermined longitu- V dinal relation thereto, and'means for pre- EDWARD A. FALL. I 

